Spirituality_in_Health_Care

By studying this unit - Spirituality in Health Care has assisted me in developing an understanding of the concepts of spirituality and religion, mind-body-spirit connections, meaning and purpose in life, and ecology. Also it assisted me in exploring the human person in health, practice applications that relate to spirituality in health care and explore the aspects related to applying spirituality to the provision of health care. This unit providing impetus for reflect both personally and professionally, as well as to let me develop a higher order thinking and analysis skills. In this reflective summary, I will demonstrate each Graduate Attributes by providing both personal and professional reflections in relation to the five themes presented in this unit. GA1: RESPECT FOR THE DIGNITY OF EACH INDIVIDUAL AND FOR HUMAN DIVERSITY According to Albert Einstein “A human being is a part of the whole that we call the universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings, as something separated from the rest -- a kind of optical illusion of his consciousness.” From this quote, I have a deeper understanding of the importance of the dignity of each individual and for human diversity. Spirituality is diverse due to different cultures and religions, people therefore have multiple views toward spirituality. Spiritual beliefs influence behaviour heavily, and it is incorrect for us to judge what is right or wrong in relation to others’ values and beliefs. As a nurse, we should provide care not only in physical but also in a holistic aspect. Be aware of patient’s race, age, gender, social class and religion beliefs. Be respect for each other, because mutual respect allows us to study and learn from other cultures, and we can gain strength by combining the foreign with the familiar. GA2: RECOGNITION OF RESPONSIBILITY TO THE COMMON GOOD, THE ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIETY After watching the video which featured Al Gore on averting climate crisis, I realised that everywhere glaciers are receding and ice is melting due to green house effect induced by the industrial activity. It reminds me a story before I came to Australia. When I was 6 years old, my mum always read me a fairy tales before I go to bed. In the fairy world, the sky is blue, the trees and grass are around the house. I asked my mum “why there’s such different colour of the sky between real world and the fairy world'” Because at that time in my country, the sky’s colour seems grey almost time. My mum answered me “you must take care the flowers and grass, future the sky will appear blue again.” As I grow up, I know the real reason why the sky is grey. It is a serious problem that we need to be more thoughtful to consider. I needed to be more mindful of the way I consume water, electricity, petrol and all the energy resources. Take public transport instead of driving cars. Minimise pollution as possible in our daily living. It is our responsibility to the common good, the environment and society, in order to maintain a beautiful world, and to improve our spiritual need. GA3: APPLYING ETHICAL PERSPECTIVES IN INFORMED DECISION-MAKING In resolving moral conflicts and understanding a complex situation, a person must use critical thinking to inquire about relationships, circumstances, and the problem at hand. The situation must be brought to light with “caring, consideration, understanding, generosity, sympathy, helpfulness, and a willingness to assume responsibility” (Munson, 2004, p.788). From above quote, I was prompted to think that it is important to always ask myself “what is the right thing to do'” and “what ought I to do in this circumstance'” Because as a nurse, understand patient’s backgrounds and to identify what kind of spiritual or religious care they desire are the most important ethical issues in providing spiritual care. We need to have the critical thinking ability and skills to respond to many of the everyday decisions. So at this stage, ethical perspectives must be applying in the decision making. Personal values, professional values and competencies, ethical principles, and ethical theories must be considered when an ethical decision is made. GA7: WORKING BOTH AUTONOMOUSLY AND COLLABORATIVELY In the process of preparing for my seminar presentation, I became aware of the importance of both autonomously and collaboratively. Firstly, we had a discussion of the topic we were doing, and separate the seminar into sections. Decide which team member doing which sections, and then we had our individual work of research and gathering information of our own sections. Last we had a discussion again, making a PowerPoint for our presentation, and practice as a rehearsal. In the all the process of preparing and doing the presentation, we have a collaborative working climate by trusting and encouraging all members to express their opinions, and making effort to be honest, respectful and listen to every person's point of view. Also in a team, we are not only offering knowledge, but also accept another commitment from team members. The unified and participating are important factors that contribute group to success. I think this is a good example of how autonomously and collaboratively are both important in our study, learning, as well as a nurse. It is effectively to communicating with the other members of the team to share knowledge, skill and expertise as required for the benefit of patients. GA10: USING INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION AND OTHER TECHNOLOGIES EFFECTIVELY In studying this unit, I am using different technologies to research and gathering information that I need. I learned to access the eBooks on the university library website, finding relevant articles in the database. The lectures and tutorials are also very accessible to assist me in solving questions. Furthermore, communication with other professional and colleague are effectively in learning this unit; it helps me to discover more area that I confused before. Conclusion On completing this unit, I have gained a deepened understanding of spirituality in health care by studying and reflecting upon the literature, blackboard, lectures, tutorials, and other material I have considered in relation to the five themes presented in this unit. This unit give me an opportunity to articulate the personal meaning of spirituality by using my own life experience and self-reflection. Furthermore, it is interesting in studying this unit, as this unit bring a guide to my further nursing study and career.